<p>Does anyone have a sense of whether Pomona actually likes students to submit the preliminary app? This may seem like a trivial question (could just do it without wondering), but filing a paper app to get the process started seems inconsistent with the growing emphasis on applying online. Pomona's website seems to encourage it, saying that it helps them set up the file, etc. Is it important to do before scheduling an interview, or can you think of other reasons it might make the application more attractive - like showing interest early or whatnot?</p>
<p>My d did the preliminary very late as she applied early decision I but it does allow them to set up a file for you and begin the process of getting to know you. They were not able to schedule an interview (we are from New Enlgand) but that did not count against her. I believe if you are from CA, you really need to set up an interview. Feel free to talk directly to the admissions office with any questions you may have. They were very helpful. Our d did get in early, made life wonderful her senior year winter and we dropped her off last Sunday. Pomona is an amazing school, I can’t imagine a more perfect place for her. The campus and resources are amazing. And, most importantly, the community seems to be welcoming and energetic. Her freshman hall has kids from Pakistan, South Dakota, Oregon, CA, Vt., NH, WA, Iowa, etc. Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks momgeh! I’m so glad to hear how much your D and you like Pomona so far. My D will be visiting in a month, and just found out all the interview slots are taken for the days she will be there 
But she’s very excited about visiting again; first time was in the summer, so she’ll get a much better look at Pomona with an overnight.</p>
<p>I am excited about your d’s interest in Pomona. I posted a description of our trip to launch #3 daughter and say good-bye on How to Send Your Son Off to College – Lisa Belkin in NYT thread. Pomona has the wonderful tradition of coming in through the gates and leaving through the gates 4 years later. The inscriptions coming in and going out are inspirational - coming in, “Let only the eager, thoughtful, and reverent enter here.” To the departing seniors: “They only are loyal to this college who, departing, bear their added riches in trust for mankind.” Our d will be back from her sea kayaking adventure this evening and then on to academics. FYI, our financial aid package was just what we needed and no loans for dear d. If your d wants to connect with my d during her visit, send me a private message. Good luck, senior year is stressful.</p>
<p>FauxNom -</p>
<p>I’d recommend that your D request an alumni interview from the Admissions Office as soon as possible. That’ll get her into the queue and assure her off getting an interview. Even though it’s not required, the AO appreciates having the opportunity to get to know more about a candidate beyond what’s on paper.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks for those responses! I’ll look at your report, momgeh, though I must admit I’ve been avoiding that thread because I know it will make me cry… And LittleM, I’ll make sure she puts in a request for an alumni interview asap. I know from my son’s experience that it can be really hard to get those interviews if you wait too long.</p>
<p>My daughter had no interview and was accepted. She was a stealth applicant that applied right at the deadline.</p>
<p>Agreed that an interview for OOS applicants is not required, but it is recommended especially for those candidates who would benefit from a face-to-face meeting.</p>
<p>momgeh, your daughter must be on my son’s hall…his roommate is from south dakota and one of his spbrothers is from VT! And, as you can see from my name, you can add FL to the list of diverse places these kids come from.</p>
<p>I feel completely thrilled at where they’ve ended up, and like you, cannnot imagine a more perfect place. Son told of ‘brochure’ moment day before yesterday where he found himself lying out on the quad in the grass reading Descartes while listening to Bob Dylan for 2 hours…happymommy here</p>
<p>Bob Dylan dropped out of college.</p>
<p>That didn’t seem to have hurt his career.</p>
<p>Hi MattsMomFL, I don’t check CC much anymore but was tickled to see your post about our kid’s hall. D is still head over heels about Pomona. Work is challenging, she loves her courses, loves her friends, may go climb Mt. Whitney soon. So, best wishes to your son, now I know to add FL to the list of hall mates.</p>
<p>Sometimes there are cancellations and no shows, so you might want to go in and ask if there are any open slots when you get there (or see if they can let you know if a person doesn’t show up). If not, I strongly suggest an Alumni interview, which they view as equivalent as an on-campus interview. Alumni interviews can book up, so it’s important to request one early.</p>
<p>Thanks gnatcire - that’s exactly what happened. A slot opened up right before her visit and she had her interview. It was her first, and she thought she talked too much, but I’m sure she showed Pomona how smitten she is, in any event.</p>